Grow bags offer undeniable convenience to gardeners, especially those in urban areas or renting homes. They allow for a quick and easy no-dig vegetable garden. However, the key to success lies in what you fill them with. TikToker @perkyplantparent claims to have discovered the secret to nurturing grow bag cucumber vines that will climb to the top of your trellis or fence. Instead of using regular soil, they recommend using PittMoss potting mix for a nutrient-rich environment for your cucumber seedlings.
The TikTok gardener showcased a fascinating experiment where Japanese cucumbers were planted in grow bags filled with PittMoss, while others were planted in regular soil. The vines grown in PittMoss flourished, displaying robust growth, while the ones in regular soil seemed stunted in comparison. What makes PittMoss so effective in promoting growth? According to PitMoss' official website, their potting mix, made from locally sourced recycled paper fiber, conserves water and efficiently collects and distributes nutrients to the plant's roots, outperforming traditional soil. Additionally, it is "peat-free," addressing concerns about sustainable peat moss harvesting.
Digging into soilless science
At this juncture, you might wonder how these factors contribute to enhanced plant growth. The distinction between potting soil and garden soil, or in this scenario, soilless media (also known as potting or soilless mix) and conventional soil, holds the key. Dr. Nazim S. Gruda, in his 2021 publication, Advances in Horticultural Soilless Culture, emphasizes that "Soilless culture systems are environmentally friendly, resource-efficient, and support sustainable intensification in agriculture."
Source your super (non)soil
Soilless mixes contain wetting agents designed to ensure the right balance of water retention and release. They create a light and airy environment inside a pot, making growing roots easy for an energy-challenged seedling. On the other hand, garden dirt or other soil-based mediums, like pure compost, pack tightly into a container (or grow bag) over time, holding onto too much water and cramping the plant's root system. They attract weeds and pests. What's more, if you use soilless mediums crafted from recycled or renewable materials, they're highly sustainable.
Whether you grow cucumbers on a trellis or leave them along the ground, you're likely very interested in emulating this TikToker's success. The easiest way is to head to the official PittMoss website. There, you can buy 10-quart bags of their Plentiful Organic Potting Mix for $17.99 each or, for an extra boost for your plants, 1 cubic foot of Performance Nutrient Enhanced Potting Soil for $26.99. Of course, there are alternatives — both peat-based and not. For example, Walmart sells 16-quart bags of Premier Horticulture PRO-MIX for $21.60. The Fafard Professional Potting Mix contains peat and is available for $20 for 1 cubic foot at PlantShed.
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try reverse-engineering the PittMoss product? While duplicating their special recycled paper medium may be a challenge, you can still create your own version using easily accessible soilless materials. Mix together inorganic substances like perlite or vermiculite with porous organic materials such as peat moss, coconut coir, or shredded bark. Throw in some lime, phosphate, fertilizer, and compost to the mix. Alternatively, you can combine porous organic matter, inorganic material, and sand in a 2:1:1 ratio. Remember to add more fresh soilless medium periodically, just like when you pot or repot your plants. Get your inner plant parent vibes going by experimenting with different combinations and techniques!
